Italian Sausage and Bean Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish that is a staple in Italian cuisine, especially during the cooler months. This soup embodies the essence of comfort food, combining rich, meaty flavors with the wholesome goodness of beans and vegetables. It’s a perfect example of the rustic, home-cooked meals that are central to Italian culinary traditions.
The foundation of this soup is Italian sausage, known for its bold and spicy flavor profile. The sausage is typically sautéed until browned, releasing its aromatic oils and spices into the pot. This process not only cooks the meat but also infuses the base of the soup with a depth of flavor. The type of sausage can vary, with options including mild, sweet, or hot, depending on personal preference and desired level of heat.
To complement the sausage, a variety of beans are added, such as cannellini or borlotti, which are staples in Italian cooking. These beans bring a creamy texture and are excellent at absorbing flavors, making them ideal for soups. They also add a significant nutritional value, being high in protein and fiber.
Vegetables play a crucial role in balancing the richness of the sausage and beans. Common additions include onions, carrots, celery, and sometimes leafy greens like kale or spinach. These vegetables not only add layers of flavor but also increase the nutritional profile of the soup, making it a well-rounded meal.
Seasonings and herbs are essential in Italian Sausage and Bean Soup. Ingredients such as garlic, rosemary, thyme, and bay leaves are often used to enhance the overall flavor. The soup is typically simmered for a substantial amount of time, allowing all the ingredients to meld together harmoniously.
Italian Sausage and Bean Soup is often served with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil on top, adding a final touch of richness. It’s commonly accompanied by crusty Italian bread, perfect for soaking up the delicious broth. This soup is not just a meal; it’s a comforting embrace in a bowl, showcasing the simplicity, heartiness, and warmth of Italian home cooking.
Italian Sausage and Bean Soup Recipe | S2Recipes
Details Italian Sausage and Bean Soup Recipes
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Servings: 4
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients For Italian Sausage and Bean Soup Recipes
1 pound Italian turkey sausage, casings removed
2 carrots, thinly sliced
1 large onion, chopped
1 cup thinly sliced mushrooms
⅓ cup chopped fresh parsley, divided
1 clove garlic, minced
3 cups water
1 (15 ounce) can garbanzo beans (chickpeas)
2 cubes beef bouillon
½ teaspoon dried sage
salt and ground black pepper to taste
Instructions: Italian Sausage and Bean Soup Recipes
Step 1: Heat a pot over medium heat. Cook and stir turkey sausage in the hot pot until browned and crumbly, 5 to 7 minutes.
Step 2: Stir carrots, onion, mushrooms, 1/4 cup parsley, and garlic into sausage. Cook and stir until onion is soft, 7 to 10 minutes.
Step 3: Pour water, garbanzo beans with liquid, beef bouillon cubes, and sage into sausage mixture. Bring to a boil, cover the pot, reduce heat to low, and simmer until carrots are tender, about 10 minutes. Skim and discard any accumulated fat. Season with salt and pepper; garnish with remaining 4 teaspoons parsley.
Very good! Two changes… beef broth instead of water/bouillon and added a handful (about 4 oz) of rotini to thicken. Used mild Italian sausage.
Wonderful flavor, super easy! Great with rosemary bread!
Delicious! It appears the majority of reviewers made significant changes to the recipe, however I made it exactly as written and no changes are needed! The soup has a rich and deep flavor from the beef bouillon (I used Better than Bouillon base). For the turkey sausage, I used Jennie-O spicy turkey sausage and it added great flavor. This makes a lot - I'd say more like 6 servings instead of 4. Keeper! I think kale would be a nice addition, but it's definitely delicious as is.
I have made this several times and everyone loves it. I always use hot sausage for a kick. We really love this! I double the batch so I have some to freeze!
Pretty good.... I used pork Italian sausage, 3 carrots, 3 stalks of celery, 1 large onion, NO mushrooms, extra garlic, and dry garbanzo beans. Added about 6 cups of water plus a few beef bouillon cubes and cooked in my Instant Pot for about 35 minutes (I added the extra water to compensate for the dry beans). Kept with the original seasoning but at the end decided to add some Italian seasoning at the end to top it off. It was yummy, but I needed a bit more texture to it, so I added some ditalini pasta... So the recipe is great starting point and very forgiving if you need to just use what you have on hand!
Awesome!!! I used lentil and added spinach and used chicken broth as the base. I also added a dash of cayenne for s kick
I've made this soup twice this month & am prepping my grocery list for a third, it's that good. I took cues from other reviewers & subbed Italian seasoning for the sage, chicken broth (made from skin & bones of oven-roasted chicken) instead of water, omitted beef bouillon. Wonderful stuff!
So Easy & So Yummy
Very good and easy. I sauteed onions then added sausage. When sausage brown I scraped fond clear with 2 TBSP of Marsala wine, then added carrots, garlic, beans my husband had soaked in water plus one can of Garbanzo beans, 3 chopped Fingerling potatoes, about a cup of beef broth and a bay leaf. Couldn't find my sage so used 21 Gun Seasoning from TJ. I let it simmer and added fresh Dill and the parsley plus 4 oz Heavy Whipping cream. Wow so good! In high rotation here! I know, a lot of tweaking but this is a very adaptable recipe. Hats off to the submitter!
All Nutrifacts of Italian Sausage and Bean Soup Recipes
✅What Type of Italian Sausage is Best for This Soup?
For Italian Sausage and Bean Soup, both sweet and spicy Italian sausages work well. Sweet sausage adds a mild, herby flavor, while spicy sausage gives the soup an extra kick. You can also use a mix of both to balance the flavors according to your taste preferences.
✅Which Beans Are Ideal for Italian Sausage and Bean Soup?
Cannellini beans are commonly used in this soup for their creamy texture and ability to absorb flavors. However, other white beans like Great Northern beans or navy beans are also good choices. For a more varied texture, a mix of different beans can be used.
✅Can This Soup Be Made in a Slow Cooker?
Yes, Italian Sausage and Bean Soup can easily be adapted for a slow cooker. Brown the sausage first for added flavor, then combine all ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
✅How Can You Make This Soup Vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, replace the Italian sausage with a plant-based sausage alternative or additional vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to maintain the savory depth of the soup.
✅What Vegetables Complement Italian Sausage and Bean Soup?
Classic vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery add depth to the soup. Spinach, kale, or Swiss chard can be added for extra nutrition and color. Tomatoes, either diced or in the form of a paste, contribute to the richness of the broth.
✅What Are the Best Herbs and Spices for This Soup?
Traditional Italian herbs such as basil, oregano, and thyme are perfect for this soup. Garlic and bay leaves enhance the flavor profile. For a spicy version, add red pepper flakes to taste.
✅How Long Should You Cook the Soup for Optimal Flavor?
The soup should simmer for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. If time allows, letting it simmer for an hour or more can deepen the flavors even further. Be sure to check the seasoning and adjust as needed before serving.
✅What Are Some Serving Suggestions for Italian Sausage and Bean Soup?
Serve the soup with crusty bread or garlic toast for dipping. Garnishing with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley adds a burst of flavor. For a lighter meal, pair it with a simple green salad.
